Three weeks into a 13,000 mile leg from Portland, Oregon heading way south. Currently in Zacatecas, MX. A great time of year (so far) to travel by moto (2 up on a BMW F800 GS). Daytime temps in the mid 60's to mid 70's F. Road construction at a minimum (compared to Alaska leg in September of 2013). Leaving Oregon in 21 degree (F) weather with freezing fog and icy roads on January 3rd was a challenge (ice build up on the face shield). Best add on so far is the heavier suspension from Tourtech prior to departing Medford at Hanson's BMW shop (by far the best shop I have the pleasure of visiting). Yesterday's challenge was manouvering over and around an overturned trucks contents (thousands of cans of Carona). Last night outside our Hotel (near the city square and Cathedral) where the bike was street parked I was awakened at 6:30 am by the hotel manager that something was taken from the moto. Fearing the worst, only the bike cover was taken. Luckily I had taken everything off the bike (dry bags, gps, spot, and tank bag) and locked the panniers. Sometimes while traveling you just get "that feeling" that extra measures are called for. I will look today for a new cover (security blanket). Travel has been good and the bike performs excellent. Our travel log is on Facebook under Marco Zen.

looks like a decent trip will have a look on FB

I would not leave the bike on the street in cities. Covers are GREAT! But a cover may not save it.
Press your Hotel Gerente to find a SAFE place for your bike. They always know of a Bodega, garage or patio where it can safely spend the night.

Nicer places may have car parking and a night guard. Others may have a back entrance to a locked inner patio.
If you turn away to leave the place ... they suddenly have a place for the bike! Never be afraid to call their bluff.

Often, I bring my bike right into the lobby. But I can easily ride my DR650 right up stairs, ramps or whatever to get it inside.

!Que le via muy bien!

Without the intention to offend you or generate an argue. And to avoid you problems whit local, I will suggest you to learn at least the names (and write it well) of the places you will want to visit…
its ARGENTINA, and not argentena

Same as many people says or write Columbia when they talk about Colombia.

And BTW for Mollydog the phrase is “Que la vaya bien!” , via is the trainway or a road in same places…

Anyway we wait you down here!!!!

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Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”

HA! Did I write "LA" ? I think I wrote "Le"? I know you Portenos have your own "Castellano" no?

Por Los Mexicanos cerca aqui', "Que le via muy bien" significa "Good Luck"
mas o menos. ?Que se yo?

Sorry, this time "mía mala" (my bad)

It's "Que LE vaya bien!" or "muy bien"

For Mexicanos o Porteños its the same, where ever is "vaya" means "goes"

for gringos this is better: "Hasta la vista, Baby!" ;-P

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Javier...
Dakar Motos “ ”

Hey Javier & Sandra
Your Spanish is better than my English

Made it across the Darian Gap on the ferry (Ferry Express). Big hassle getting tickets, police check, exiting procedures in Colon. All day event and then some. Ferry itself is excellent, but only 3 bike, 2 cars, 2 RV's, and a VW micro us on board. Currently in Buga, Columbia via Bogota. Roads good but a lot of twisters through the mountains with primarily truck traffic and occasional small motor bikes. In the towns everyone's on a small bike less than 150 cc (like fruit flies on rotting fruit), definitely part of the adventure. No issues with police or any one else. Bike service in Bogota at BMW Autogermana. There are at least two sale an that speak English. Talk to Jurgen if possible, very good with helping travelers, always ask for a sticker to get in good with them (great stickers). Good Hotels within walking distance.